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Tutorials

This page presents a selection of high quality written tutorials. A complete, unsorted list of tutorials can be found in :Category:Tutorials, a complete and sortable one can be found in the table below.

If you'd like to contribute with writing wiki documentation and tutorials, see the general wiki guidelines in WikiPages, and read the tutorial guidelines.

Please notice the version of FreeCAD used in the tutorial as some tutorials may use an old version of the program. Although the general modelling process may still work, some tools may have changed.

See also video tutorials.

Architecture and BIM

File:Arch tutorial 00.jpg|link=Arch tutorial|Arch tutorial (v0.14) This is the essential introduction to the Arch Workbench. It is extensive and showcases a typical workflow, from importing plans in DXF format to building the 3D model. File:Exercise arch 01.jpg|link=Manual:BIM_modeling|BIM modeling How to model a small house, produce a blueprint with TechDraw, and export to IFC. File:11_T01_window_all_symbol_top.png%7Clink=Tutorial_for_open_windows|Open windows and doors (v0.18) How to display windows and doors as open, with elevation and plan symbols, and produce a basic floor plan with TechDraw. File:17_T02_sketch_2_attached_correctly.png%7Clink=Tutorial custom placing of windows and doors|Design custom windows (v0.18) How to draw custom doors and windows using the Sketcher, and adjust their normals to correctly place them in walls. File:Arch_panel_tutorial_01.jpg%7Clink=Arch panel tutorial|Arch panel tutorial (v0.15) Modeling a microhouse roof panel by using the Sketcher, the Window tool, and the Panel tool. File:Arch_Wikihouse_01.jpg%7Clink=Wikihouse porting tutorial|WikiHouse modelling Re-modeling the WikiHouse project using sketches and panels, starting from importing a mesh model created in SketchUp.

Modeling parts

FreeCAD provides two main workflows to modeling parts:

Please note that the PartDesign Workbench workflow was considerably changed from FreeCAD 0.17 onward; some of the tutorials haven't been updated and may refer to the 0.16 version.

File:GGTuto1 Vue.PNG|link=Creating a simple part with PartDesign|Creating a simple part with PartDesign (v0.17) An introduction to the PartDesign workflow: tracing a sketch, using pad, pocket, and moving the object. PD WB Tutorial018.png|link=Basic_Part_Design_Tutorial|Basic Part Design Tutorial (v0.17) Model a simple part using a feature editing methodology: creating a sketch, using pad, external references, pocket, and mirror. TBHS-model.png|link=Toothbrush Head Stand|Model an electric toothbrush head stand (v0.16 or above) Multiple features used: sketch, distance and coincident constraints, pad, external references, fillet, chamfer, linear pattern, and draft. Exercise lego 01.jpg|link=Manual:Modeling for product design|Modeling for product design (v0.16) Modeling a Lego block: sketches, vertical and horizontal distance constraints, pad, pocket, external reference, linear pattern, and assembly. Exercise table complete.jpg|link=Manual:Traditional modeling, the CSG way|Traditional modeling, the CSG way Modeling a table by using simple solids like cubes and cylinders, and performing boolean operations (fusions and cuts) with them. 08_T04_Part_ShapesString_Extrude_final_cut.png|link=Draft ShapeString tutorial|Draft ShapeString tutorial (v0.19) Create engraved text on a solid: extrude a shapestring to make it solid, then use a boolean cut to carve it from another solid. 10_T03_Part_ball_fillet.png|link=Whiffle Ball tutorial|Create a wiffle ball (v0.19) Use solid primitives, like cubes and cylinders, and boolean operations, like union and cut, to create a hollowed ball. Tutorial-normand06.jpg|link=Basic modeling tutorial|Basic modeling tutorial Create an iron angle by two methods: using solid primitives, and boolean operations (CSG); and by extruding a planar profile. File:HTCaeroplane04.png%7Clink=Aeroplane|Aeroplane tutorial Understand placements in FreeCAD by creating a simple aeroplane model. Then learn about rotation angles, yaw (Z), pitch (Y), and roll (X). File:T13_14_Threads_components.png%7Clink=Thread_for_Screw_Tutorial|Thread for screw tutorial (v0.19) Understand how to create threads with several techniques that include use of the tools Part Helix, PartDesign AdditivePipe, Part Sweep, Part Fuse, and Part Cut.

The Raspberry Pi project has made simple tutorials that are easy to follow, particularly for those new to CAD systems:

Drafting and Sketching

Exercise cabin 01.jpg|link=Manual:Traditional 2D drafting|Traditional 2D drafting Draw a floor plan with lines, wires, rectangles, circular arcs, and add hatch patterns, annotations, and dimensions. Export the result to DXF. 00_Dr01_Draft_Tutorial_final.png|link=Draft_tutorial|Draft tutorial (v0.19) This is a basic introduction to the tools of the Draft Workbench: working plane, grid, line, arc, upgrade, rectangle, circle, polygon, arrays, dimensions, annotations, and shapestring. Sketcher_reference.png|link=Sketcher reference|Sketcher reference (v0.18) This is a 70-page long PDF document that serves as a detailed manual for the Sketcher Workbench. It explains the basics of Sketcher usage, and goes into a lot of detail about the creation of geometrical shapes, and each of the constraints. 09b_Sk01_Sketcher_fully_constrained_clean.png|link=Basic Sketcher Tutorial|Basic Sketcher Tutorial (v0.19) This is a basic introduction to the tools of the Sketcher Workbench: construction mode, line, circle, arc, constraints (equality, vertical, horizontal, tangential, distance, angle, radius). 03d_Sk02_Sketcher_Rectangle_constrained_length.png|link=Sketcher_Micro_Tutorial_-_Constraint_Practices|Sketcher constraints practices (v0.19) Learn to efficiently constrain a sketch. Prefer geometric constraints over datum constraints.

Technical Drawings

TDTut ProjGroup21.png|link=Basic TechDraw Tutorial|Basic TechDraw Tutorial (v0.17) This is the essential introduction to the tools of the TechDraw Workbench: page, view, scale, vertical and horizontal dimensions, annotations, projection groups, linking dimensions to the 3D view. File:FCTemplateHow.png%7Clink=TechDraw_TemplateHowTo|Creating a new background template (v0.17) Instructions to create a page template in Inkscape for using it with the TechDraw Workbench. Determine the size of the sheet, draw a frame for the page, define fixed text, and editable text fields. File:AnHi1.png%7Clink=Measurement Of Angles On Holes|Measurement Of Angles On Holes (v0.19) Instructions for adding center lines and subsequent angle representations on holes.

FEM

FEM example01 pic00.jpg|link=FEM CalculiX Cantilever 3D|CalculiX cantilever FEM analysis (v0.17) This in an example included in every installation of FreeCAD; it demonstrates a basic analysis with the CalculiX FE solver. Purge the current result, re-run the solver, and view the displacements and stresses in the deformed mesh in the viewport. FEM tutorial result.png|link=FEM tutorial|Simple FEM introduction (v0.17) This is a short introduction to the steps required to perform an analysis in the FEM Workbench: model your object, create a mesh, add constraints and forces, add a material, run the solver, and visualize the results. Figure 11 Deformed Mesh.png|link=FEM Shear of a Composite Block|FEM shear analysis of a composite block (v0.17) Study the deformation of a block made of a hard nucleus surrounded by a softer material: create mesh regions, add materials, set up sliding constraints, add shear loads, run the solver, and visualize the results with a clip plane. Femconcrete_Wall_3D_rx_PSS.png|link=Analysis_of_reinforced_concrete_with_FEM|Analysis of reinforced concrete with FEM (v0.19) Estimate the level of reinforcement required in a concrete structure to prevent brittle failure under tension or shear. FEM_post-processing_Paraview.png|link=Post-Processing_of_FEM_Results_with_Paraview|Post-Processing of FEM results with Paraview (v0.19) This tutorial explains the basics of transferring data from the FEM Workbench to Paraview and shows some of the options and settings for displaying data.

CNC & 3D Printing

Path-WalkThroughResult.gif|link=Path Walkthrough for the Impatient|Path Workbench for the impatient This is a quick presentation of the workflow for the Path Workbench: create a job, define the output, define the milling tool, define the path operations, start the simulation, and generate a G-code output file. Exercise meshing 03.jpg|link=Manual:Preparing models for 3D printing|Preparing models for 3D printing (v0.16) Convert a solid object to a mesh object using the Mesh Workbench, export the mesh to STL format, and use Slic3r to prepare the G-code. Alternatively use the Cura Workbench or the Path Workbench to generate the G-code.

Rendering

Exercise raytracing 05.jpg|link=Manual:Creating renderings|Creating renderings Quickly produce a rendered image of your bodies with POV-Ray and LuxRender, if they are installed in your system. Raytracing tutorial result.png|link=Raytracing tutorial|Raytracing tutorial (v0.16) Describes the basic workflow of the Raytracing Workbench using POV-Ray or LuxRender: set the path to the renderers, create a project, set the camera position, select the model, run the renderer. 12_T04_FreeCAD_POVray_render_floor_wood_walls_radiosity_final.png|link=Tutorial FreeCAD POV ray|Intermediate FreeCAD and POV-ray tutorial (v0.18) Workflow to produce a better render with POV-Ray: create a project, add objects, set the camera, save the .pov file, manually edit the file to improve the textures, planes, lights, and then run the renderer. 07_T03_FreeCAD_Blender_EEVEE_render.png|link=Tutorial_Render_with_Blender|Rendering a FreeCAD assembly with Blender (v0.18) Export bodies from FreeCAD to Wavefront .obj, import the file into Blender, set up a simple Sun light, assign basic materials with the Principled BSDF shader, and produce a rendered image with EEVEE and Cycles.

Robot workbench

Development of the Robot Workbench is currently abandoned. Please inquire on our forum regarding any news or alternative workbenches.

Robot Tutorial RobotSimulation.gif|link=Robot tutorial|Robot tutorial (v0.17) Simulate the movement of an industrial robot: set up a trajectory, set up home position, change the robot position, insert various waypoints, and simulate the robot movement.

Scripting

These are tutorials that are related to scripting or programming. They are geared towards more experienced users, who are already somewhat familiar with the program.

Tutorials - Comprehensive list

Here are listed all the tutorials that are not in the manual regardless of their quality. If a tutorial is listed in the :Category:Tutorials and not in this table please insert it.

++++++++ | Tutorial | Topic | Level | Time to complete hh:mm | Authors | FreeCAD version | Example files | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <!-- Template for new entries | +=============================================================================================================+==============================================+=======================+========================+================================================================================================+=====================+===============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================+ | Tutorial | Topic | Level | 0:00 | Name | 1.0 | None --> | ++++++++ | Add Button to FEM Toolbar Tutorial | Finite Element Analysis | | | JohnWang | | | ++++++++ | Add FEM Constraint Tutorial | Finite Element Analysis | | | M42kus | | | ++++++++ | Add FEM Equation Tutorial | Finite Element Analysis | | | JohnWang | | | ++++++++ | Aeroplane | Part Workbench | Beginner | 0:10 | Hughthecat | | | ++++++++ | Analysis of reinforced concrete with FEM | Reinforced concrete with FEM | Intermediate | 1:00 | HarryvL | 0.19 or above | | ++++++++ | Arch panel tutorial | Modeling an architectural panel | Beginner | 1:00 | Yorik | | | ++++++++ | Arch tutorial | Modeling | Intermediate | | Yorik | 0.14 | | ++++++++ | Basic Attachment Tutorial | Sketch attachment | Beginner/intermediate | 01:00 | Bance | 0.17 and above | Basic Attachment Tutorial.FCStd | ++++++++ | Basic modeling tutorial | Introduction to modelling | Beginner | 0:15 | NormandC | Any | None | ++++++++ | Basic Part Design Tutorial | Modeling | Beginner | | Mark Stephen (Quick61) and HarryGeier | 0.17 or above | Basic Part Design for v0.17 | ++++++++ | Basic Sketcher Tutorial | Sketcher | Beginner | 1:00 | Drei and Vocx | 0.19 | Basic Sketcher tutorial | ++++++++ | Basic TechDraw Tutorial | TechDraw Workbench | Beginner | | WandererFan | 0.17 and above | Basic Part Design for v0.17 Sample Basic TechDraw Tutorial Sample | ++++++++ | Code snippets | Python | Beginner | | | | | ++++++++ | Creating a simple part with PartDesign | Modeling | Beginner | 1:00 | GlouGlou | 0.17 or above | Creating a simple PartDesign Body.FCStd | ++++++++ | Customize Toolbars | | Beginner | 0:05 | Mario52 | Any | None | ++++++++ | Draft ShapeString tutorial | Product Design | Beginner | 0:30 | r-frank and vocx | 0.17 and above | Draft_Shapestring_Text | ++++++++ | Draft tutorial | Drafting | Beginner | 0:30 | Drei and vocx | 0.19 | Draft tutorial updated | ++++++++ | Drawing Template HowTo (obsolete) | 2D Drafting | Intermediate | 1:00 | Mark Stephen (Quick61) | 0.14.3700 or above | None | ++++++++ | Drawing tutorial (obsolete) | Blueprints / Drawings | Beginner | 0:15 | Drei | 0.16 or above | | ++++++++ | Dxf Importer Install | | Intermediate | 0:05 | Mario52 | Any | None | ++++++++ | Engine Block Tutorial | Part Workbench | Beginner | 1:00 | Andrewbuck40 | 0.14.3700 | | ++++++++ | Export to STL or OBJ | Export to STL or OBJ | Beginner | 0:20 | r-frank | 0.16.6703 | | ++++++++ | Extend FEM Module | Finite Element Analysis | | | M42kus | | | ++++++++ | FEM CalculiX Cantilever 3D | Finite Element Analysis | Beginner | 0:10 | Bernd | 0.16.6377 or above | | ++++++++ | FEM Shear of a Composite Block | Finite Element Analysis | Beginner/Intermediate | 0:300 | HarryvL | 0.17.12960 or above | | ++++++++ | FEM tutorial | Finite Element Analysis | Beginner | 0:10 | Drei | 0.16.6700 or above | | ++++++++ | FEM Tutorial Python | Finite Element Analysis | Intermediate | 0:30 | Bernd | 0.18.15985 or above | | ++++++++ | FreeCAD-Ship s60 tutorial | Ship Workbench | Beginner | | | | | ++++++++ | FreeCAD-Ship s60 tutorial (II) | Ship Workbench | Beginner | | | | | ++++++++ | How to install additional workbenches | Programming | Medium programmer | 0:15 | r-frank | Any | None | ++++++++ | How to install macros | Programming | Medium programmer | 0:15 | Mario52 | Any | None | ++++++++ | Import from STL or OBJ | Import from STL or OBJ | Beginner | 0:30 | r-frank | 1.0 | 0.16.6703 | ++++++++ | Import OpenSCAD code | Import OpenSCAD code | Beginner | 0:30 | r-frank | 0.16.6704 | None | ++++++++ | Import text and geometry from Inkscape | Import text and geometry from Inkscape | Beginner | 0:30 | r-frank | 0.16.6704 | | ++++++++ | Import/Export IFC - compiling IfcOpenShell | Arch Workbench | Advanced | 2:00 | Pablo Gil | | | ++++++++ | Measurement Of Angles On Holes | TechDraw Workbench | Beginner | 0:01 | AnHi | 0.19 | | ++++++++ | PartDesign Bearingholder Tutorial I | Product design - Bearingholder #1 | Beginner | 60 minutes | NormandC | | | ++++++++ | PartDesign Bearingholder Tutorial II | Product design - Bearingholder #2 | Beginner | 60 minutes | NormandC | | | ++++++++ | PartDesign tutorial | Sketcher | Beginner | 0:15 | Drei | 0.16 or above | | ++++++++ | Path Walkthrough for the Impatient | Path Workbench | | | Chrisb | | | ++++++++ | Plot Basic tutorial | Plot Workbench Basic Tutorial | Beginner | | | | | ++++++++ | Plot MultiAxes tutorial | Plot workbench | Intermediate | | | | | ++++++++ | Post-Processing of FEM Results with Paraview | Post-Processing of FEM Results with ParaView | Intermediate | 2:00 | HarryvL | 0.19 | Beam and wall | ++++++++ | Python scripting tutorial | Programming | Intermediate | | | | | ++++++++ | Raytracing tutorial | Raytracing | Beginner | 0:010 | Drei | 0.16 or above | | ++++++++ | Robot 6-Axis | Robot Workbench | Intermediate | | | | | ++++++++ | Robot tutorial | Robot Workbench | Beginner | | r-frank | | | ++++++++ | Scripted Parts: Ball Bearing - Part 1 | Part Scripting - Ball Bearing #1 | Beginner | 0:30 | r-frank | 0.16.6706 | | ++++++++ | Scripted Parts: Ball Bearing - Part 2 | Part Scripting - Ball Bearing #2 | Beginner | 0:30 | r-frank | 0.16.6706 | | ++++++++ | Scripts | Scripting | Beginner | | onekk Carlo | 0.19 | | ++++++++ | Sketcher Micro Tutorial - Constraint Practices | Sketcher | Beginner | 0:30 | Mark Stephen (Quick61) and vocx | 0.19 | Sketcher Constraints practices | ++++++++ | Sketcher reference | | | | | | | ++++++++ | Sketcher requirement for a sketch | Sketcher | Beginner | | Maker | | None | ++++++++ | Sketcher Tutorial | Sketcher | Beginner | | Ulrich | | | ++++++++ | TechDraw Pitch Circle Tutorial | TechDraw Workbench | Beginner | 0:10 | Andergrin | 0.19 | None | ++++++++ | TechDraw TemplateGenerator | TechDraw Workbench | Intermediate | | FBXL5 | 0.19 | None | ++++++++ | TechDraw TemplateHowTo | TechDraw Workbench | Intermediate | 1:00 | wandererfan | 0.17 | None | ++++++++ | Thread for Screw Tutorial | Product design | Advanced | 1:00 | DeepSOIC, Murdic, vocx | 0.19 | Updated: Thread for screw tutorial | ++++++++ | Toothbrush Head Stand | Modeling | Beginner | 1:00 | EmmanuelG | 0.16 or above | Thingiverse 2403310 | ++++++++ | Topological data scripting | Programming | Intermediate | | | | | ++++++++ | Transient FEM analysis | Transient FEM analysis | | | | | | ++++++++ | Tutorial custom placing of windows and doors | Architecture | Intermediate | 1:00 | Vocx | 0.18 or above | None | ++++++++ | Tutorial for open windows | Architecture | Beginner | 1:00 | Vocx | 0.18 or above | None | ++++++++ | Tutorial FreeCAD POV ray | Rendering | Intermediate | 2:00 | Vocx | 0.18 or above | None | ++++++++ | Tutorial Render with Blender | Rendering | Intermediate | 1:00 | Vocx | 0.18 or above | None | ++++++++ | VRML Preparation for Robot Simulation | Robot Workbench | Intermediate | | | 0.11.4252ppa1 | | ++++++++ | Washers | | | | | | None | ++++++++ | Whiffle Ball tutorial | Product design | Beginner | 0:30 | r-frank and vocx | 0.17 and above | WhiffleBall_Tutorial_FCWiki.FCStd | ++++++++ | Wikihouse porting tutorial | Wikihouse porting tutorial | Intermediate/Advanced | 1:00 | | | | ++++++++


documentation index > [Tutorials]], a complete and sortable one can be found in the ](Category_Tutorials]], a complete and sortable one can be found in the .md) > Tutorials > Tutorials